Conflict of Interest

As an Approved Program Provider (APP) of WSET qualifications, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is required to identify, monitor, and manage actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest. This is essential to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and to promote confidence in WSET and Slate Wine & Spirits Academy processes.

This policy applies to all Slate Wine & Spirits Academy Course Educators, employees, and any individual acting on behalf of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy, as well as to all candidates registered for courses with Slate Wine & Spirits Academy.

What Is a Conflict of Interest?

A conflict of interest exists where an individual has interests or loyalties that could adversely influence their judgment, objectivity, or loyalty to Slate Wine & Spirits Academy when conducting activities associated with WSET qualifications.

Examples of Conflicts of Interest

Examples of conflicts of interest in the context of an Approved Program Provider include:

  • The assessment of a candidate by an individual who has a personal interest in the result.
  • The moderation of an assessment by an individual who has a personal interest in the result.
  • The tutoring of candidates by an individual involved in the assessment process.
  • The undertaking of a WSET qualification by any individual employed by an APP.
  • The invigilation of a WSET assessment by any individual involved in the delivery of training leading to that assessment.
  • The employment by an APP of individuals engaged in the delivery of taught programs or in the role of Internal Assessor at another APP.
  • The investigation of a non-compliance incident by someone who is unable to act impartially.

How We Manage Conflicts of Interest

Some conflicts of interest can be managed and are therefore acceptable. For example, the marking of WSET Level 3 tasting assessments by Internal Assessors is verified by WSET to mitigate the risk of a conflict of interest. Similarly, where an employee of an APP undertakes a WSET qualification, measures can be put in place to maintain the integrity of the assessment, provided this has been notified to WSET in advance.

Other conflicts of interest cannot be managed and are not acceptable. For example, it would be inappropriate for an individual involved in authoring exam questions or compiling exam papers to teach or coach candidates sitting that exam.

WSET’s Role

WSET has procedures in place to manage specific conflicts of interest. These include the exclusive involvement of WSET staff in the creation of all assessment materials, the moderation of all internal assessments conducted by APPs, and the moderation of all written exams not marked by optical mark readers. Other conflicts of interest are managed on a case-by-case basis.

Declaring a Conflict of Interest

Any individual, candidate, or member of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy staff who becomes aware of a potential or actual conflict of interest must declare it in writing immediately to Lee Pancake, Academy Principal, at lee@slatewineacademy.com. This duty applies at enrollment, at the point of hire, and on an ongoing basis whenever circumstances change.

Candidates must declare at enrollment any family, close personal, or financial relationship with a Slate Wine & Spirits Academy Course Educator, Internal Assessor, or employee.

Declarations are recorded by Slate Wine & Spirits Academy on the Conflicts of Interest Register, which is retained for a minimum of three years. Failure to declare a known conflict of interest may be handled under the Malpractice & Maladministration Policy.

Related Policies

Last reviewed: April 2026.